DAY 1
Arrive at Marrakesh to be met by Dig. Our accommodation will be in a charming Riad Like most Riads it is located near the city centre, approached down tiny alleys that teem with life and leave one wondering if perhaps the location is not a good idea. It is. Step over the threshold into a world of traditional Arab peace and tranquillity and understanding is immediate. From here we can easily explore the frantic and exhausting Djemma el-Fna and souks before we retire to the garden courtyard and terraces of our Riad to relax before dinner and a glass of Moroccan wine which is rather better than you might expect!

DAY 2 
The morning will be spent further exploring the mysteries and history of Marrakesh with Ismael, our local guide. In the afternoon we depart for Tarroudant. We cross the Tizi n’Test pass in the High Atlas before dropping down to the Souss Valley & Tarroudant where we shall be joined by Ali, one of Morocco’s best known mountain guides. Home will be the lovely Riad Miryam owned by the ever helpful family of Hamid. We relax a short while before taking horse drawn carriages to follow the ramparts that surround this ancient town that are without doubt the best preserved in Morocco. Dinner at the Miryam is guaranteed to be a delight as the gourmet Arab food regularly features in French food magazines.

DAYS 3/4/5 
Leaving luggage at the Miryam we depart for the mountains and valleys where Ali will lead us over the next three days. Throughout our hike we will be accompanied by mule to carry our kit and picnics. On the first night we stay at a curious refuge that offers simple but private rooms & a nearby shower. Dinner will be on the terrace by a small swimming pool where ducks live – you may join them if you wish. The second night will be spent in the home of a Berber family in one of the many little villages that fill the lush valleys. This will be harvest time and there will be much activity. Evening meals during Ramadam are always a feast. Our third night with Ali in his mountains will be under canvas but very comfortable as our trusty mule will have carried our load.

DAY 6 
By miday we will return to the comforts of Riad Mirym and Hamids famed cuisine that will no doubt be embellished with a bottle of Morocco’s own pleasant wine.

DAY 7
We depart Tarroudant and travel over the high plateau of the Anti Atlas. Our journey will take most of the day. We will picnic with views of the snow capped High Atlas before dropping down to the valley of the Draa – a ribbon of technicoloured palmeraies and Berber villages. Our destination, the village of Tamegrout, is a fascinating place that nestles in it’s oasis on the edge of the Sahara. Tamegrout has for centuries been an important religious and educational centre. At it’s heart is the zawiya, a religious fraternity for student Imams that we shall visit. As the sun sets over the palm trees of our oasis the imagination seems to wonder back in time as the chanting of the young Imams carries on the evening breeze to our base camp. The bedrooms that stand in a walled garden are made from mud and clay yet boast electricity and full private facilities so comfort is guaranteed.

DAYS 8 AND 9
Doris will lead our expedition into the western desert. Each of us will have a camel. All you will require is a sleeping bag. Each day will start with a hearty breakfast after which we break camp. By about 9 a.m. we start hiking/ riding. Riding instruction will be given and is in truth both comfortable and easy (The riding saddle/style is not Bedu as in the Middle East). About midday we stop for a cooked lunch after which we rest. We hike/ride in the late afternoon to arrive at camp where tea will be waiting for us before dinner is served and a blistful night under the stars (Sleeping matts are provided).

DAY 10 
During the morning we hike/ride before returning to Mhamid (The eastern end of the road) and so to Tamegrout but not for long. You will have time to gather your towel before we depart for Zagora (Short drive) and the welcome attentions of the Hamam. After the desert nothing is better than the wet warmth of a traditional Arab/Turkish bath house where one is scrubbed & massaged. Men and ladies have separate facilities and it is only required that you relax & follow instructions. Dinner with Doris will be in the gardens of our delightful base camp.

DAY 11
Sadly we turn west to return to Marrakesh however our journey will be spectacular. We journey by the upper Draa a valley cut through rugged mountains that are home to innumerable Kasbahs or desert castles. We will pass famed Ouarzazate before starting our ascent to the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (The highest in Morocco). From here we drop to the plains and fabled Marrakesh herself. There will be time to relax before our Farewell Dinner .

DAY 12
Departure for the airport.

INFORMATION MEET/ DEPARTURE
Marrakesh, Morocco.

GUIDES
Dig Bulmer will lead the trip. Assistant guides will be Ismael Mouloy (Cities), Ali Elaouad (Western Atlas), Doris Paulus ( Western Sahara)

GROUP SIZE
The group will be restricted to a maximum of 8 plus guides

TRANSPORT
Comfortable mini bus otherwise hiking, camel riding

ACCOMMODATIONS
Riads: Very comfortable guest houses run by the owners who truly take a delight in welcoming you to a rather different and very special experience (Marrakesh and Tarroudant) Berber homes: One night only but an opportunity to get to know the locals. Homes are simple but clean and the hosts welcoming (No shower) Refuge: One night. Private bedrooms. Communal shower (No hot water). Swimming pool with ducks if you don’t mind sharing! - Followed by one night under canvas. Base camp. Two nights at the establishment of Doris. Private bedrooms with bathroom & hot water. Camp : Two nights in the desert. About 3 litres of water each day for washing.
SLEEPING BAG REQUIRED (It can be chilly in the desert at night)

LAND COST
$3550 sharing double/ twin room. Single supplement $490
All meals are included. Zagora hamam is included. All soft drinks/water are included. Your only cost will be wine/ tips and gifts for those at home.